Battery monitoring system with time-based diagnostic activation

ABSTRACT

A battery is provided that includes a battery monitoring system integrated within the battery. The battery monitoring system includes a diagnostic system configured to monitor or store at least one parameter of the battery. Additionally, the battery monitoring system also includes a receiver communicatively coupled to the diagnostic system. Furthermore, the battery monitoring system includes a transmitter communicatively coupled to the diagnostic system and configured to activate upon receipt of a first wireless signal by the receiver and to transmit a second wireless signal indicative of the at least one parameter of the battery.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/763,825, entitled “BATTERYMONITORING SYSTEM WITH ON DEMAND DIAGNOSTIC ACTIVATION”, filed Feb. 12,2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a battery monitoring systemthat provides on demand diagnostic activation.

Certain devices (e.g., vehicles) incorporate batteries to enable deviceactivation and/or operation of various electrical systems within thedevice. Unfortunately, batteries lose efficiency after various periodsand/or conditions of use. Moreover, some batteries contain manufacturingdefects that negatively affect the productivity of the battery.Accordingly, it is desirable to monitor a status of the battery via abattery tester either periodically and/or after manufacture. Certainbattery testers enable a user to determine whether the battery has acharge or is operable. However, these battery testers usually monitorthe battery through physical connections to terminals of the battery.Unfortunately testing using a physical connection to the terminalsemploys special equipment that may not be available when desired and/ormay decrease the efficiency of testing the batteries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a battery includes a battery monitoring systemintegrated within the battery. The battery monitoring system includes adiagnostic system configured to monitor at least one parameter of thebattery or store the at least one parameter of the battery.Additionally, the battery monitoring system also includes a receivercommunicatively coupled to the diagnostic system. Furthermore, thebattery monitoring system includes a transmitter communicatively coupledto the diagnostic system and configured to activate upon receipt of afirst wireless signal by the receiver and to transmit a second wirelesssignal indicative of the at least one parameter of the battery.

In another embodiment, a method for monitoring a battery includeswirelessly receiving a first signal via a diagnostic system integratedwithin the battery, wherein the first signal is indicative of activationof a transmitter of the diagnostic system. The method also includesmonitoring at least one parameter of the battery via the diagnosticsystem. Furthermore, the method includes wirelessly transmitting asecond signal indicative of the at least one parameter of the batteryupon receipt of the first signal.

In another embodiment, a battery system includes a battery. The batterysystem also includes a communication device remote from the battery andconfigured and to receive a wireless signal. The battery system alsoincludes a battery monitoring system integrated within the battery. Thebattery monitoring system includes a diagnostic system configured tomonitor at least one parameter of the battery. Moreover, the diagnosticsystem is configured to activate upon a duration of time aftermanufacture. Furthermore, the battery monitoring system includes atransmitter communicatively coupled to the diagnostic system, andconfigured to transmit a wireless signal indicative of the at least oneparameter of the battery.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle that may employ a battery anda battery monitoring system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a battery having a batterymonitoring system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a battery cell that maybe employed within the battery of FIG. 2, having a self-containedmeasurement device;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a battery monitoringsystem; illustrating a battery monitoring unit;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process for monitoring abattery using a battery monitoring system;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a communication path from abattery monitoring system to a user through a cloud network via a directconnection between the battery monitoring system and a cell phone tower;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an alternative embodiment of a communicationpath from a battery monitoring system to a user through a cloud networkvia a connection between the battery monitoring system and a cell phone;and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a further embodiment of a communication pathfrom a battery monitoring system to a user through a cloud network via aWiFi network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed below. In an effort to provide a concise description of theseembodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not bedescribed in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentinvention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended tomean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Anyexamples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are notexclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.

As discussed in detail below, a battery for a device, such as a vehicle(e.g., automobile, watercraft, etc.) may include a battery monitoringsystem that monitors the battery for an estimated end of life based onelectrical, chronological, and/or chemical parameters of the battery. Incertain embodiments, the monitoring system may send the end of lifeinformation to a user via a remote server or device (e.g., through cloudcomputing), via a cellular network (e.g., to a cell phone), via email,via a television display, or through other notification methods.Additionally, the battery monitoring system may send other informationto the user, such as suitable replacement batteries, locations forpurchase, of suitable replacement batteries and/or inventories or pricesof local and internet stores carrying suitable replacement batteries. Inother embodiments, the battery monitoring system may communicateinformation to a user via an infrared or other light signal (e.g.,indicator lights).

Additionally or alternatively, the battery monitoring system may remainin a standby mode until a signal is sent to the battery monitoringsystem to activate a diagnostic system within the battery monitoringsystem. Upon receipt of the activation signal, the diagnostic systeminitiates monitoring of battery parameters, and determines an estimatedend of life of the battery based on the battery parameters. In otherwords, in some embodiments, the battery may be tested when a userinitiates a diagnostic mode. In certain embodiments, the battery mayautomatically enter a diagnostic mode after a certain period of timeafter manufacture (e.g., testing in a manufacturing facility). Thebattery monitoring system then returns the expected end of lifeinformation and/or other information associated with the batteryparameters to a user.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 10 that may include a battery11 and a battery monitoring system. In some embodiments, the battery 11may be included in other devices, such as trains, boats, industrialplants, or other suitable devices requiring electrical power. In certainembodiments, the battery 11 includes one or more battery cellsconfigured to power electronic components of the vehicle 10. Forexample, the vehicle 10 may include a hybrid propulsion system includinga gas-powered engine and an electric motor. Monitoring variousparameters of the battery 11 and/or each battery cell may provide datafor efficiently operating the battery 11, and/or for determining anestimated end of life for the battery 11. For example, in certainembodiments, certain parameters of the battery, such as a time of use, atime since manufacture, the temperature of each battery cell, or groupof cells, or other suitable parameters, may be monitored. In someembodiments, these parameters may be used to determine an estimated endof life of the battery. In some embodiments, the voltage of each cellmay be measured to provide an accurate determination of the state ofcharge (e.g., charge status) and/or health of the battery to determinean estimated end of life of the battery.

Certain embodiments described below include a battery monitoring systemintegrated within the battery 11. In certain embodiments, the batterymonitoring system includes a diagnostic system having at least onesensor configured to monitor one or more operational parameters (e.g.,voltage, temperature, etc.) of the battery cell and/or store one or moreadditional parameters of the battery (e.g., size, manufacturing date,manufacturing location, capacity of the battery, shape, of the battery,technology of the battery (e.g., lead acid battery), etc.). Someembodiments include a processor for determining an end of life of thebattery based on the monitored parameters, and a transmitter configuredto output a signal indicative of the end of life of the battery and/orthe operational parameter. In certain embodiments, the batterymonitoring system also includes a receiver configured to receive asignal to activate the diagnostic system. In some embodiments, thereceiver and transmitter may be elements of a single transceiver. Asdiscussed in detail below, in some embodiments, the battery monitoringsystem may be integrated within a sealed housing of the battery 11 tosubstantially reduce or eliminate the possibility of fumes orparticulates, present in an engine compartment from interfering withoperation of the battery monitoring system. Accordingly, certainembodiments include wireless/contactless methods of communicationbetween the battery monitoring system and an external device.

In certain embodiments, a transmitter of the battery monitoring systemis configured to output a signal indicative of the end of life of thebattery and/or an operational parameter of the battery via a wirelesscommunication link. In such embodiments, data cables, which may beemployed to communicatively couple the battery monitoring system to aremote receiver, are obviated. The reduction in wiring may substantiallyreduce the weight and manufacturing costs of the battery monitoringsystem. In addition, the reduced number of connections may enhance thereliability and efficiency of the monitoring system in the potentiallycorrosive environment of a vehicle engine compartment. Additionally, thewireless link may be established between the transmitter and a cellphone, cell tower, wireless local area network connection (e.g., WiFi),dedicated infrared device (e.g., maintenance device), manufacturerbattery testing device, or other such devices.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a battery 11 having anintegrated battery monitoring system 12 disposed within a batteryhousing 13. As will be appreciated, by locating the battery monitoringsystem 12 within the battery housing 13, the battery housing 13 protectsthe battery monitoring system 12 and its electrical components from theharsh environment typically present surrounding a battery. However, incertain embodiments, the battery monitoring system 12 may be locatedremote from the battery 11 (e.g., within a separate housing). Asillustrated, the battery 11 includes an array 14 of battery cells 16connected in series to a battery monitoring unit 18. While three batterycells 16 are included within the illustrated array 14, it should beappreciated that more or fewer cells 16 may be employed in alternativearray configurations. For example, in certain embodiments, multiplebattery cells 16 may be grouped into modules, with multiple modulesforming the array 14. In such embodiments, a first bus bar may beelectrically coupled to a positive terminal 21 of each cell 16 within amodule, and a second bus bar may be electrically coupled to a negativeterminal 22 of each cell 16 within the module. The bus bars, in turn,may be electrically coupled to the battery monitoring unit 18 andconfigured to transfer an electrical power signal from the battery cells16 to the battery monitoring unit 18. Multiple modules may be connectedin series to form the array 14, and to provide a desired electricalpower output to the vehicle electrical system. In alternativeembodiments, individual battery cells 16 and/or modules may be connectedin parallel, or any other suitable arrangement involving parallel andserial configurations.

Additionally, the battery monitoring unit 18 includes a communicationmodule 19 configured to receive and/or transmit signals from externaldevices. For example, in some embodiments, the communication module 19may include a light emitting transceiver that communicates with externaldevices. In such embodiments, a translucent/transparent window 20 may beincluded in the battery housing 13. The window is configured to enableoptical light signals (e.g., infrared signals) to pass through thebattery housing 13. For example, in some embodiments, the communicationsmodule 19 may receive an optical light signal from a remote device thatinstructs the battery monitoring unit 18 to transition from a standbymode to a diagnostic mode. The battery monitoring unit 18 may thenrespond to the remote device using flashing lights or infrared signalsthat pass through the translucent/transparent window 20. Alternatively,the battery housing 13 may be configured to enable light signals (e.g.,certain patterns or colors) or infrared signals to pass through anysurface of the battery housing 13 without the inclusion of a window 20by constructing the battery housing of a transparent or translucentmaterial. Moreover, certain embodiments of the battery monitoring system12 may include a communication module 19 that includes a transmittercapable of communicating through radio frequency signals, such as via aBluetooth connection, a wireless local area network connection, a cellphone data connection (e.g., code division multiple access), or othersuitable connection. In some embodiments, the battery monitoring unit 18may initiate a diagnostic mode after a certain lapse of time. Forexample, in some embodiments, the battery monitoring unit 18 may enterinto a diagnostic mode after a tracked time in the battery monitoringunit 18 has crossed a threshold, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more minutesafter manufacture of the battery 11.

In the illustrated embodiment, a measurement device 24 is mounted to anexterior surface 26 of each battery cell 16. In certain embodiments, themeasurement device 24 is affixed to the exterior surface 26. Asdiscussed in detail below, each self-contained measurement device 24includes one or more sensors configured to monitor an operationalparameter of the battery cell 24, and a transmitter configured to outputa signal indicative of the operational parameter to the batterymonitoring unit 18.

As illustrated, each self-contained measurement device 24 includes afirst lead 28 coupled to the positive terminal 21 of a respectivebattery cell 16, and a second lead 30 coupled to the negative terminal22 of the battery cell 16. In certain embodiments, the transmitter iscommunicatively coupled to the first and second leads 28 and 30, andconfigured to output the signal indicative of the operational parametervia modulation of a power signal output by the battery cell 16. Infurther embodiments, the sensor (e.g., voltmeter) may be coupled to thefirst and second leads 28 and 30, and configured to measure a parameterof the power signal (e.g., voltage). Although the illustrated embodimentincludes one self-contained measurement device 24 for each cell 16, someembodiments may include more or fewer self-contained measurement devices24. For example, some embodiments may include self-contained batterymeasurement devices 24 that are configured to monitor or store overallbattery parameters for the battery (e.g., battery voltage rather thancell voltage, battery temperature, battery type, battery size, etc.). Insome embodiments, the self-contained measurement devices 24 may bestored in suitable locations other than those illustrated. For example,in some embodiments, one or more self-contained measurement devices 24may be located on the battery housing 13, and used to monitor thetemperature within the battery housing 13. Additionally, in someembodiments, one or more self-contained measurement devices 24 may beincluded within the battery monitoring unit 18, and may measure thevoltage of the array 14 of batteries, a cell 16, or a group of cells 16.

In embodiments in which the self-contained measurement device 24 ismounted directly to the exterior surface 26 of the battery cell 16, themeasurement device 24 may monitor the temperature of each individualbattery cell 16. For example, in certain embodiments, the self-containedmeasurement device 24 includes a temperature sensor, such as athermocouple. By placing the temperature sensor in direct contact withthe exterior surface 26 of the cell 16, the temperature sensor mayaccurately measure the battery cell temperature. In other embodiments,the components of the self-contained measurement system 24, includingthe temperature sensor, may be coupled to the surface of an integratedcircuit. In such embodiments, mounting the integrated circuit directlyto the exterior surface 26 of the cell 16 enables the surface-mountedtemperature sensor to measure the temperature of the cell 16.

In embodiments in which the self-contained measurement device 24 ismounted to the battery cell 16, spring connectors, wire harnesses, orflex circuit assemblies which couple PCBs to the terminals 21 and 22 maybe obviated. Consequently, the possibility of signal degradationassociated with worn connectors may be substantially reduced oreliminated. In addition, mounting the measurement device 24 directly tothe battery cell 16 enables the cells 16 to be mounted in a variety oforientations and locations within the vehicle 10.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a battery cell 16including a self-contained measurement device 24. In the illustratedembodiment, the battery cell 16 includes an exterior casing 32, a powerstorage assembly 34, and an insulator 36. As will be appreciated, thepower storage assembly 34 includes an anode sheet, a cathode sheet, anda separator disposed between the anode sheet and the cathode sheet. Incertain configurations, the sheets are wrapped in a spiral configurationand disposed within an electrolyte. Electrical power may be transferredto and extracted from the power storage assembly 34 via the positiveterminal 21 and the negative terminal 22.

As illustrated, the self-contained measurement device 24 is disposedwithin a gas-venting region 38 between the insulator 36 and the exteriorcasing 32. Specifically, the measurement device 24 is mounted to aninterior surface 40 of the battery cell 16 adjacent to the power storageassembly 34. In certain embodiments, the measurement device 24 ispermanently affixed to the interior surface 40. While the measurementdevice 24 is mounted within the gas-venting region 38 in the presentembodiment, it should be appreciated that the measurement device 24 maybe mounted to other interior surfaces within the battery cell 16 inalternative embodiments. Mounting the self-contained measurement device24 within the battery cell 16 may enable the temperature sensor toprovide a more accurate measurement than configurations in which themeasurement device 24 is mounted on an exterior surface of the batterycell 16. In addition, because the measurement device 24 may bepositioned proximate to the anode and cathode sheets, the device 24 maybe configured to directly measure the state of charge within eachbattery cell 16.

As will be appreciated, certain battery monitoring systems compare thevoltage of the battery cell 16 to an established voltage profile todetermine the state of charge. Unfortunately, because the voltageprofile varies based on load, an inaccurate state of charge may bereported to a control system or vehicle operator, resulting ininefficient operation of the battery array 14. To provide a moreaccurate determination of the state of charge, the self-containedmeasurement device 24 may include a sensor coupled to the anode sheetand to cathode sheet, and configured to directly measure the charge onthe sheets. As a result, a more accurate state of charge may bedetermined, thereby facilitating efficient determination of the end oflife of the battery 11.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the battery monitoringsystem 12, including the self-contained measurement device 24 and thebattery management unit 18. As illustrated, the self-containedmeasurement device 24 includes a voltmeter 42 electrically coupled tothe first lead 28 and to the second lead 30. Because the first lead 28is electrically connected to the positive battery terminal 21 and thesecond lead 30 is electrically connected to the negative batteryterminal 22, the voltmeter 42 measures the voltage across the batterycell 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the voltmeter 42 iscommunicatively coupled to a microprocessor 44. It should be noted that,while reference is made in the present discussion to a microprocessor,any suitable processing circuitry may be employed, such as fieldprogrammable gate arrays, and so forth. The microprocessor 44 isconfigured to receive a signal from the voltmeter 42 indicative of themeasured voltage, and to compute the voltage based on the signal. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the voltmeter 42 may output an analogsignal proportional to the measured voltage. In such embodiments, themicroprocessor 44 may be configured to convert the analog signal into adigital signal, and to determine the voltage based on the digitalsignal.

In the illustrated embodiment, the measurement device 24 also includes atemperature sensor 46 communicatively coupled to the microprocessor 44.As previously discussed, the temperature sensor 46 is in direct contactwith an interior surface 40 or an exterior surface 26 of the batterycell 16. Accordingly, the temperature sensor 46 outputs a signalindicative of the battery cell temperature, and the microprocessor 44determines the cell temperature based on the signal. For example, incertain embodiments, the temperature sensor 46 may output an analogsignal proportional to the measured temperature. In such embodiments,the microprocessor 44 may be configured to convert the analog signalinto a digital signal, and to determine the temperature based on thedigital signal.

While the illustrated measurement device 24 includes a voltmeter 42 anda temperature sensor 46, it should be appreciated that alternativeembodiments may include additional sensors configured to monitor otheroperational parameters of the battery cell 16. For example, in certainembodiments, the measurement device 24 may include a sensor configuredto measure the state of charge within the battery cell 16, and/or anammeter configured to determine current being provided by the cell. Inother embodiments, the measurement device 24 may include a pressuresensor configured to detect an excessive pressure within the gas ventingregion 38, for example. In some embodiments, the measurement device 24may include an ohmmeter, or other sensor configured to monitor anelectrical, physical, or chemical parameter of the battery cell 16.

In certain embodiments, the illustrated measurement device 24 alsoincludes a memory 48 communicatively coupled to the microprocessor 44.The memory 48 may be configured to store battery cell identificationinformation, operational parameter history information, battery celltype information, and/or usage information. For example, a uniqueidentification number may be associated with each battery cell 16 andstored within the memory 48. In such a configuration, the batterymanagement unit 18 may identify a particular battery cell 16 based onthe unique identification number, thereby facilitating communicationbetween the measurement device 24 and the battery management unit 18.The memory may also be configured to store historical values of measuredoperational parameters. For example, the memory 48 may store the maximumvoltage measured by the voltmeter 42 and/or the maximum temperaturemeasured by the temperature sensor 46. Such information may be usefulfor diagnosing faults within the battery cell 16. Furthermore, thememory 48 may be configured to store usage information, such as averageload, maximum load, duration of operation, or other parameters that maybe useful for monitoring the operational status of the battery cell 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the measurement device 24 includes atransmitter 50 configured to output the operational parameter (e.g.,voltage, temperature, etc.) to the battery monitoring unit 18. Asillustrated, the transmitter 50 is communicatively coupled to the firstlead 28 and to the second lead 30. Consequently, the transmitter 50 iscommunicatively coupled to a first power transmission conductor 52extending between the positive terminal 21 of the battery cell 16 andthe battery management unit 18, and to a second power transmissionconductor 54 extending between the negative terminal 22 of the batterycell 16 and the battery management unit 18. The first and second powertransmission conductors 52 and 54 are configured to transfer a powersignal from the battery cell 16 to the battery monitoring unit 18. Inthe present embodiment, the transmitter 50 is configured to output asignal indicative of the operational parameter (e.g., voltage,temperature, etc.) via modulation of the power signal. Specifically, thebattery cell 16 is configured to output a direct current (DC) signal tothe battery management unit 18. The transmitter 50 is configured tomodulate the DC signal with an alternating current (AC) signalindicative of the value of the operational parameter. Any suitabledata-over-power modulation, superposition or transmission scheme may beemployed.

For example, the voltmeter 42 may output an analog signal to themicroprocessor 44 indicative of the measured voltage across the batterycell 16. The microprocessor 44 converts the analog signal from thevoltmeter 42 into a digital signal, and determines the voltage based onthe digital signal. The microprocessor 44 then outputs a digital signalindicative of the measured voltage to the transmitter 50. Thetransmitter converts the digital signal into an analog AC signal, andmodulates the DC power signal based on the AC voltage signal. A similarprocess may be utilized to output measured temperature values or otheroperational parameters.

In certain embodiments, the transmitter 50 may be configured to transmitmultiple signals indicative of multiple parameters simultaneously orsequentially. For example, the transmitter 50 and/or microprocessor 44may be configured to multiplex a voltage signal and a temperaturesignal, and to transmit the multiplexed signal to the battery managementunit 18. As will be appreciated, additional operational parameters(e.g., pressure, amperage, resistance, etc.) may be included in themultiplexed signal. In alternative embodiments, the voltage signal andthe temperature signal may be transmitted sequentially (e.g., voltagesignal first and temperature signal second). Additionally, in certainembodiments the transmitter 50 may be configured to wireless transmitinformation from the processor 44 to the battery monitoring unit 18. Infurther embodiments, the processor 44 may be omitted, with raw databeing sent from respective sensors (e.g., voltmeter 42) to a centralprocessor in the battery monitoring unit 18.

As illustrated, the battery management unit 18 includes a transceiver 56electrically coupled to the power transmission conductors 52 and 54. Thetransceiver 56 is configured to receive the AC signal indicative of themeasured parameter by monitoring the modulation of the DC power signal.The transceiver 56 is also configured to convert the AC signal into adigital signal indicative of the value of the measured parameter, and tooutput the digital signal to a microprocessor 58. The transceiver 56 isconfigured to transmit information about the parameters and/or the endof life of the battery 12 to a user or an external device/remote server62 via an antenna 60 or other suitable connection. As will be discussedin detail below, in certain embodiments, the transceiver 56 may sendinformation via the antenna 60 or a direct connection to an externaldevice/remote server 62 to enable the external device/remote server 62to further process the information. For example, in some embodiments,the transceiver 56 may send infrared signals or activate blinking lightsto show various battery conditions (e.g., indicating that battery needsreplacement).

In certain embodiments, the transceiver 56 may be configured to receivewireless signals from the transmitter 50 and/or external sources. Insuch embodiments, the wireless communication link between thetransmitter 50 and the transceiver 56 may be bidirectional. For example,the transceiver 56 may be configured to scan for an activation signalthrough the antenna 60 or other suitable connection. In someembodiments, the transceiver 56 receives an activation signal, thetransceiver 56 is configured to send a signal to the transmitter 50 toactivate the measurement device 24. In such embodiments, if noactivation signal is received, each measurement device 24 remains in astandby mode. In some embodiments, the battery monitoring system 12 mayactivate a standby mode (e.g., low power mode) upon receiving a standbysignal from a remote device (e.g., testing device at a manufacturelocation) through the transceiver 56. In such embodiments, the batterymonitoring system 12 may deactivate the standby mode upon the occurrenceof one or more factors. For example, in certain embodiments, the batterymonitoring system 12 may deactivate the standby mode and return to anormal operation mode when the battery monitoring system 12 determinesthat a voltage changes in the battery, a current draw on the batterysurpasses a certain threshold (e.g., a current spike), a length ofstandby (e.g., time in standby mode has surpassed a standby mode timethreshold), another suitable factor, or some combination thereof.Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments of the batterymonitoring system 12 may deactivate the standby mode upon receipt of asignal via the transceiver 56 (e.g., the activation signal, a repeat ofthe signal that caused the standby mode, a signal different from theactivation or standby signals).

Furthermore, certain embodiments of the measurement device 24 mayactivate upon receipt of the activation signal. In some embodiments, themeasurement device 24 may activate without an activation signal. Forexample, in some embodiments, the measurement device 24 may activateafter a certain period of time. In some embodiments, this period may bea fixed length (e.g., once per day, etc.). In other embodiments, theperiod may vary over time. For example, some embodiments of themeasurement device 24 may activate at a shorter period initially andactivate using a longer period after a certain period of time. Incertain embodiments, once the period crosses some length threshold(e.g., 1 week), the measurement device 24 may remain in a standby modeuntil the measurement device 24 is activated.

The microprocessor 58 may output the operational parameter to a display,compute the battery cell state of charge, estimate an end of life,and/or direct information to the transceiver for wirelesslytransmission. In certain embodiments, the battery management unit 18includes a voltmeter 64 and an ammeter 66 communicatively coupled to themicroprocessor 58, and configured to monitor the total voltage andamperage of the battery array 14. In some embodiments, the temperaturesensor 46 may be included in the battery monitoring unit 18 to measuretemperature of the entire battery housing 13. In such embodiments,individual measurement devices 24 may be located separate from thebattery monitoring unit 18 by using the voltmeter 64 and ammeter 66 todetermine the voltage and amperage parameters of the entire batteryarray 12 rather than individual cells 16. As previously discussed, thebattery monitoring system 12 and the transceiver 56 are located withinthe battery housing thereby protecting the electronic components fromthe environment of the vehicle engine compartment. Furthermore, in someembodiments, one or more measurement devices 24 may be located in thebattery monitoring unit 18 rather than on an exterior surface 26 of abattery cell 16.

The measurement device components described above may be discretecomponents mounted to a PCB, or elements of an integrated circuit.Furthermore, as previously discussed, the measurement device 24 may becoupled to the exterior surface 26 of the battery cell 16, the interiorsurface 40 of the battery cell 16, or the battery housing 13. While asingle self-contained measurement device 24 is shown in the illustratedembodiment, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments mayinclude multiple measurement devices (e.g., one measurement device perbattery cell 16 or group of cells 16) communicatively coupled to thebattery monitoring unit 18. In such embodiments, each measurement device24 may be configured to transmit a unique identification number to thebattery monitoring unit 18 along with the AC signal indicative of theoperational parameter. Consequently, the battery monitoring unit 18 mayassociate each received signal with a particular measurement device 24.Alternatively, some embodiments may include only one measurement device24 incorporated within the battery monitoring unit 18.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a process 70 for monitoringa battery. In some embodiments, a diagnostic portion (e.g., measurementdevice 24) remains in a standby mode until an activation signal isreceived. Accordingly, the transceiver 56 monitors for an activationsignal (block 72). The transceiver 56 then receives an activation signalfrom an external source (block 74). For example, the activation signalmay be sent using a transmitter remote from the system (e.g. outside thevehicle 10). In such embodiments, the activation signal may includeflashing lights of various colors (e.g., infrared) and/or frequenciesthat pass through the translucent window 20 and/or the battery housing13. In embodiments that include an infrared activation signal, thetransceiver 56 is configured to activate the diagnostic system inresponse to any infrared signal. For example, a generic infraredtelevision remote may be used to send any infrared signal to thetransceiver 56 to activate the measurement devices 24. In otherembodiments, activation may only be initiated in response to certaininfrared commands. In such embodiments, a dedicated maintenance devicemay be used to activate the diagnostic system at various maintenancelocations, point of purchase locations, or manufacture locations.Alternatively, general purpose devices with infrared capability may beprogrammed to activate the measurement devices 24. For example, cellphones having infrared capabilities or compatible infrared peripheries(e.g., an infrared dongle) may be used to activate the measurementdevices using programmed sequences. In other embodiments, diagnosticsystems may be activated through a wireless connection to a cell phone,cell tower, and/or WiFi network.

In embodiments in which the diagnostic system remains in standby modeabsent an activation signal, the transceiver 56 transmits a signal tothe measurement devices 24 (e.g., either directly to the measurementdevices 24 or through transmitter 46) to activate the diagnostic systems(block 76) when the transceiver 56 receives an activation signal from anexternal source (e.g., the external device/remote server 62). However,some embodiments may include a diagnostic system that is configured toremain in continuous operation. In such embodiments, the diagnosticsystems are activated when the system is turned on, or the battery has acharge, receives a current draw, or other variable factors. In someembodiments, the battery monitoring unit 18 may initiate a diagnosticmode after a certain lapse of time. For example, in some embodiments,the battery monitoring unit 18 may enter into a diagnostic mode after atracked time in the battery monitoring unit 18 has crossed a threshold,such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more minutes after manufacture of the battery11. The battery monitoring system 12 monitors battery parameters (e.g.,voltage, current, and temperature) for the battery 11 using thediagnostic system and/or stores additional parameters (e.g., batterysize, battery shape, etc.) (block 78). In some embodiments, the batterymonitoring system 12 determines an end of life of the battery 11 usingmeasured battery parameters (block 80). For example, when voltageproduced by the battery declines over a certain period of time, thebattery monitoring system 12 may calculate a period of time (e.g., days)left until the battery 11 is expected to need replacement. Alternativelyor additionally, the battery monitoring system 12 may track the periodof time that the battery has been used to determine whether the battery11 should be replaced (e.g., by coupling the duration of operation tothe expected battery lifetime).

The end of life information (if previously determined) and/or monitoredbattery parameters are transmitted (block 82) to a user or to theexternal device/remote server 62. In some embodiments, the transmittalmay include illuminating an LED on the battery 12, or other location inthe system (e.g., vehicle 10). However, certain embodiments of thebattery monitoring system 12 may transmit the information to a remoteserver or to an infrared device capable of interpreting the transmittal.The transmittal may also include other relevant information such aslocation of the system (e.g., vehicle 10), additional determined batteryparameters (e.g., battery manufacturer and/or model), and/or informationabout the system (e.g., vehicle model for the vehicle 10, location,engine size, battery size, other additional parameters, etc.). Thetransmittal may be performed on demand (e.g., in response to anactivation signal or another query), or may be transmitted under certainconditions. For example, the end of life/battery parameter informationmay be transmitted when an expected remaining battery lifetime fallsbelow a certain threshold (e.g., 3 months), and/or various batteryparameters may be transmitted when the parameters cross certainthresholds (e.g., voltage drops below minimum voltage threshold).

In some embodiments that the battery monitoring system 10 does notcalculate and/or transmit the end of life. The end of life may bedetermined using a remote device, such as a cloud-based network orremote server (block 84). In various embodiments, a notification may besent to the user, notifying the user of the end of life informationand/or battery parameters (block 86). In certain embodiments, thenotification may occur automatically in response to the transmittal inblock 82. However, in other embodiments, the notifications may be sentwhen the transmittal includes certain conditions, such as when anestimated end of life is less than a threshold value (e.g., 1 month), orwhen operating parameters exceed a certain threshold valve (e.g.,battery voltage less than minimum voltage). In some embodiments, thenotification may include additional information. For example, thenotification may include information about service locations in relationto a determined location of the battery (e.g., from a global positioningsystem in the vehicle or on a portable electronic device). Additionally,the notifications may include coupons or advertisements for batteriessuitable for use in the system (e.g., vehicle 10) for which batteryreplacement is desired. The notifications may also include battery draininformation that may assist the user in determining whether other systemissues exist that may have caused a premature end of life of the battery11.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate various embodiments of sending end of life and/orbattery parameters to a user through a cloud network having a remoteserver. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a method forsending information from the battery monitoring system 12 to a cloudbased computing system via cellular phone communication protocols. Asillustrated, a monitor signal 90 is generated by the battery monitoringsystem 12, and may include information such as the end of life of thebattery 11, battery parameters, location of the vehicle, vehicleinformation, and/or battery type. The monitor signal is then sent to thetransceiver 56, which then transmits the information as a transceiversignal 92. Although FIGS. 6-8 refer to a vehicle using a battery, someembodiments may include batteries used in any suitable transportationdevice or system having a battery (e.g., battery as auxiliary power).Accordingly, discussion referring to a vehicle may alternatively be usedto refer to another suitable system (e.g., production line).

In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver 56 may use variouscellular phone data communication standards such as code divisionmultiple access (CDMA), LTE, High Speed Packet Access (HPSA), WiMax, orother suitable cellular phone data communication standards includingall-IP network communications. In such embodiments, the transceiver 56may transmit the information using a cellular phone data communicationstandard via the antenna 60. The broadcast cell information is thenreceived by a cell tower 94 and directed into a cell network 96. Thecell network 96 interfaces with the Internet and sends the informationto a cloud network 98. The cloud network 98 enables a user to access theinformation through cloud-based applications in a web browser or mobileapplication, for example. Accordingly, the information is stored on aremote server 62 that is remote from the user. In some embodiments, onlybattery parameter information is sent to the cloud network 98, and thecloud network 98 determines an end of life from the battery parameterinformation. Although the data is stored remote from the user, the usermay access the information through a database on the remote server usingthe Internet, for example. In some embodiments, the information may bekept private using secure data connections requiring login informationor other identifying information before the information can be accessed.In certain embodiments, this information may be freely accessible by theuser. Alternatively, the remote server may generate information to besent to the user under certain conditions. For example, in someembodiments, when the lifetime of the battery 11 is determined to beless than a threshold value (e.g., less than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 monthsuntil the end of the battery), a notification may be sent to the user.An electronic notification may be sent in any suitable format. Forexample, the remote server may automatically generate an email to theuser, a message may be sent using short messaging service (SMS) ormultimedia messaging service (MMS), a personalized mailing may beprinted for sending through the postal service, or an automated voicemessage may be sent to the user.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a method for sendinginformation from a battery monitoring system to a cloud based computingsystem via a cell phone connection. As illustrated, a monitor signal 102is created by the battery monitoring system 12, and may includeinformation such as the end of life of the battery 11, batteryparameters, location of the vehicle/cell phone, vehicle information(e.g., vehicle model, location, engine size, etc.), and/or battery type.The monitor signal is then sent to the transceiver 56, which thentransmits the information as a transceiver signal 104. The transceiversends the information to a cell phone 106 using wireless radioconnections. For example, some embodiments may broadcast the informationusing a Bluetooth connection between the transceiver and the cell phone.Other embodiments may broadcast the information to a cell phone usinginfrared wireless, ultra wideband (UWB) connections, near fieldcommunication (NFC), direct connections to the cell phone, or throughcell phone peripherals (e.g., dongles and/or adapters). The transmittedinformation is received by the cell phone (e.g., using an application onthe cell phone). The cell phone/application may then notify the user ofrelevant information, such as an estimated end of life of the battery,the nearest service locations, advertisements related to batteries, andthe type of battery to be replaced. Additionally, the cell phonetransmits the information to a cell tower 108, which conveys theinformation to a cell network 110. This transmittal of information mayoccur with or without the user's notice. For example, the applicationmay run in the background of an operating system on the cell phone,thereby enabling the transmittal of information without userinteraction. Thus, the information is sent to the remote server 62 inthe cloud network 112, where it may be stored and processed for sendingnotifications to the user 114. In some embodiments, only batteryparameter information is sent to the cell network 110, and the cloudnetwork 112 determines an end of life from the battery parameterinformation. The cloud network 112 may then send a relevant notificationto the user using SMS, MMS, email, phone, or mail, as previouslydiscussed.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram view showing the creation of a notificationusing the battery monitoring system 12 through a wireless area networkconnection to notify a user through the remote server 62. Asillustrated, a monitor signal 116 is created by the battery monitoringsystem 12 and may include information such as the end of life of thebattery 11, battery parameters, location of the vehicle, vehicleinformation, and/or battery type. The monitor signal is then sent to thetransceiver 56 which then transmits the information as a transceiversignal 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver 56 isconnected to a wireless local area network (WiFi) 120. For example, thetransceiver 56 may connect to a user's WiFi network when the vehicle 10comes into range of the WiFi router, such as when the vehicle 10 isparked in a garage. Additionally or alternatively, the transceiver 56may automatically detect and connect to publicly accessible WiFihotspots. In some embodiments, the battery monitoring system may storeauthentication information to enable the transceiver to connect todedicated WiFi networks at certain service and/or manufacture locations.Through the WiFi network 120 the information is transmitted to theremote server 62 in a cloud network 122. The information is stored in adatabase in the cloud network 122 on the remote server 62 for the userto access or to be sent to the user in a notification. Thus, theinformation is sent to the remote server 62 in the cloud network 122,where it is be stored and processed for sending notifications 124 to theuser. In some embodiments, only battery parameter information is sent tothe cloud network 122, and the cloud network 122 determines an end oflife from the battery parameter information. The cloud network 122 thensends a relevant notification to the user using SMS, MMS, email, phone,or mail, as previously discussed. Additionally, in some embodiments, thenotification through a home WiFi may be displayed on a television orother display device in the home that is also connected to the WiFinetwork either directly (e.g., connects to WiFi router) or indirectly(e.g., coaxial connection to cable box that connects to a router).

In summary, various embodiments of the disclosure include a cloudnetwork 98, 112, and 122 that sends a user notification signal 100, 114,and 124. In these embodiments, advertising data regarding vehiclebatteries may be stored on the remote server 62. Additionally, relevantinformation regarding the vehicle (e.g., vehicle location, vehiclemodel, engine size, etc.) or a service station (e.g., service stationlocation, inventory, available special price offers, etc.) may be storedin the remote server 62 to be sent by the cloud network 98, 112, or 122to the user. Additionally, the cloud network 98, 112, or 122 may trackthe purchase of a previous battery and/or store a determined estimatedend of life for the battery and sends appropriate information to theuser based on the estimated end of life, position of the vehicle,available special price offers, service station inventory, and/or othersuitable information.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A battery, comprising: a battery monitoringsystem integrated within the battery, wherein the battery monitoringsystem comprises: a diagnostic system configured to monitor or store atleast one parameter of the battery; a receiver communicatively coupledto the diagnostic system; and a transmitter communicatively coupled tothe diagnostic system, and configured to activate upon receipt of afirst wireless signal by the receiver and to transmit a second wirelesssignal indicative of the at least one parameter of the battery; whereinthe at least one parameter of the battery comprises a time, a voltage, atemperature, or a current; and wherein the time corresponds to a timeafter manufacture of the battery, and the diagnostic system isconfigured to activate the diagnostic system after the time passes athreshold value.
 2. The battery of claim 1, wherein the receiver isconfigured to receive the first wireless signal from a transmitterremote from a system that encloses the battery.
 3. The battery of claim1, wherein the first signal comprises an optical light signal.
 4. Thebattery of claim 1, wherein the first signal comprises a radio frequencysignal.
 5. The battery of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configuredto transmit the second wireless signal to a receiver remote from asystem that encloses the battery.
 6. The battery of claim 1, wherein thesecond wireless signal comprises a radio frequency signal.
 7. Thebattery of claim 1, wherein the second wireless signal comprises avisual signal or an audio signal.
 8. The battery of claim 1, wherein thebattery monitoring system comprises a transceiver having the receiverand the transmitter.
 9. The battery of claim 1, wherein the receiver isconfigured to receive a third wireless signal, wherein the batterymonitoring system is configured to activate a standby mode when thereceiver receives the third wireless signal.
 10. The battery of claim 9,wherein the battery monitoring system is configured to deactivate thestandby mode upon detection of a voltage change in the battery, currentdraw on the battery above a current threshold, an lapse of time greaterthan a time threshold, a fourth wireless signal received by thereceiver, or some combination thereof.
 11. A method for monitoring abattery, comprising: wirelessly receiving a first signal via adiagnostic system integrated within the battery, wherein the firstsignal is indicative of activation of a transmitter of the diagnosticsystem; monitoring at least one parameter of the battery via thediagnostic system; monitoring a time after manufacture of the batteryand activating the transmitter of the diagnostic system upon a durationof time after the manufacture of the battery; and wirelesslytransmitting a second signal indicative of the at least one parameter ofthe battery upon receipt of the first signal.
 12. The method of claim 9,wherein the at least one parameter of the battery comprises a batteryvoltage, a battery temperature, and a battery current.
 13. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the second signal comprises a radio frequency signal.14. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one parameter of thebattery comprises an end of life of the battery.
 15. The method of claim9, wherein the first or second signal comprises an optical light signal.16. The method of claim 9, wherein the first signal is transmitted by adevice remote from the battery.
 17. A battery system, comprising: abattery; a communication device remote from the battery and configuredto receive a wireless signal a battery monitoring system integratedwithin the battery, comprising: a diagnostic system configured tomonitor at least one parameter of the battery, wherein the diagnosticsystem is configured to activate upon a duration of time aftermanufacture; and a transmitter communicatively coupled to the diagnosticsystem, and configured to transmit the wireless signal indicative of theat least one parameter of the battery.
 18. The battery system of claim17, wherein the wireless signal is also indicative of the at least oneparameter, and the at least one parameter comprises at least one ofbattery voltage, battery current, and battery temperature.